Monday, May 19, 2008

PFEIL PFEELS PFRUSTRATED

“My wife and I have a lot of money invested in Troy, and it is very disheartening for me to see the immature actions that have been going on with the council in recent months” said Pfeil, who noted that the city had seen tremendous progress in past years before Tutunjian and the council began their political war.

Pfeil, the owner of Powers Park Lofts, The Conservatory, and several properties in Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs, explained that he was once again disappointed after reading that Councilman Bill Dunne, D-District 4, had attacked Tutunjian during the council’s special meeting to discuss Community Development Block Grant funding Tuesday.

“That’s immature, inappropriate behavior,” said Pfeil. “I think the people who have elected these council members should say to them — grow up, you don’t do things like that at a council meeting.”

First, let us reiterate our commitment to development. We are all for it. Growing up, the girl next store developed a lot, so that was good.

Pfeil did a wonderful job with the Gay Building (The Conservatory). We would not take that away from Pfeil. A building with a few high-end condominiums is preferable to an empty building. But, lets not get carried away. The Conservatory was an IDA sponsored project which makes it exempt from property taxes. And despite all of the 'development', our property taxes have not gone down in Troy. Except in election years, they consistently rise.

More to the point, Pfeil ignores the consistent attacks on Troy's elected, legislative branch by the Mayor. Dunne's 'attack' was not "inappropriate." Indeed, it was highly appropriate after the false charges leveled by Tutunjian. Are baseless attacks supposed to go unchallenged, Mr. Pfeil? Are elected representatives supposed to 'lie-down and take it' so an out-of-town developer feels more comfortable? Perhaps the chaos of Democracy should give way to corporate needs.

Mr. Pfeil's comments would bear greater weight if he and his company remained politically neutral or bipartisan. But, what The Record fails to disclose, or Pfeil fails to disclose, is his blatant partisanship:

The Pfeil's, individually, or via their corporation, are consistent donors to Republican candidates:*

As well as contributions to the New York Senate Republican Campaign Committee, Kathy Jimino, Henry Bauer and the Saratoga Republican Committee. Over $6000 to GOP candidates. All perfectly legal. Unlike other developers, the Pfeils do not contribute to Republicans and Democrats that are in power. Only Republicans. That's their right but please, spare us the righteous indignation.